Great Catholic Parishes
A Living Mosaic
by William E. Simon Jr.
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Pub Date Sep 20 2016 | Archive Date Oct 19 2016
Description
What is really happening in the Catholic Church in North America? Are parishes thriving or dying? Is dissatisfaction among Catholics growing or are they becoming more engaged in the evangelizing mission of the Church?
Businessman, professor, and philanthropist, William E. Simon Jr. has been highly influenced by the dynamic and inspiring Catholic parishes he has attended for more than 25 years. In 2012, he founded Parish Catalyst, an organization devoted to researching and supporting the health and development of Catholic parishes. Great Catholic Parishes looks at Simon’s insights and the success stories of 244 vibrant parishes to show what makes them great.
In 2012 and 2013, Bill Simon and his team studied 244 Catholic parishes to determine what made them exceptional. The study found that all of the parishes shared four foundational practices that led to a profound sense of belonging within their parish communities and a deepening commitment to discipleship:
Share leadership by using clergy and lay staff with the best talents and skills to direct the community
Foster spiritual maturity and plan for discipleship by offering a variety of formation programs and ministry opportunities to reach parishioners at differing points in their lives
Excel on Sundays by dedicating significant time, energy, and money to liturgical celebrations that parishioners and visitors find welcoming
Intentionally evangelize by challenging insiders to look outward and providing service programs, social events, global mission opportunities, and pastoral care at key sacramental moments that focus on inviting outsiders to deeper relationship with Christ and the Church.
In Great Catholic Parishes, Simon shares personal stories such as finding a welcoming parish home and what he learned about evangelizing from a mission trip to Kenya. Pastors from exceptional parishes offer helpful ideas, strategic advice, and practical strategies, as well as anecdotes about lay ministry development initiatives and reworking religious education so that it is family focused and web-based.
You will also learn creative solutions to familiar challenges such as spiritual stagnation among parishioners, reconciling diverse needs in the parish, allowing the pastor to focus on pastoring and preaching, and reaching youth and young adults who leave the Church in disproportionate numbers.
Each chapter closes with either crucial takeaways or a summary of practical challenges that will help pastors and leaders focus on growth and excellence.
Features & Benefits
Bill Simon has extensive connections within the Catholic community around the United States and has made this project and the work of Parish Catalyst his top professional priority.
This book expands the view of parish life in the United States found in leading Catholic books such as Rebuilt, Forming Intentional Disciples, and Divine Renovation by presenting the successes of 244 parishes in the United States and Canada.
The popularity of the Rebuilt books has positioned Ave Maria Press as the leading publisher of resources for the renewal of Catholic parishes in the United States.
Advance Praise
“An insightful look at what is going right in those parishes that are successfully nourishing their spiritual families.”
From the foreword by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan
Archbishop of New York
“This book may be the best catalyst ever for assisting Catholic parish life to be even better. It gives fascinating details on many of the best parishes in North America. It gives practical tips on how to improve hymns, homilies, architecure, liturgy, the works. It gives a tremendous boost to great pastors (especially the overworked and undersung). It covers virtually every aspect of parish life, and is a powerful invitation to great lay people to pitch in. For most of us, the parish is the church. . . . Hurrah for the editors and author!”
Michael Novak
Catholic philosopher, theologian, and author
“If you’re looking for the components of vibrant parish life—and what you can do to make it happen in your parish – go no further. Bill Simon and his Parish Catalyst team have researched deeply and prescribed wisely. This is the book we parishioners (and our pastors) have been waiting for, so that we can make our parishes welcoming, vibrant, meaningful, and faith-filled.”
Paul Wilkes
Author of Excellent Catholic Parishes
“The key to the New Evangelization is the renewal of the parish. Bill Simon is passionate about this, and my own parish has benefited directly from his passion. This book is a valuable contribution to the exciting and necessary conversation about parish vitality and revitalization that is sweeping over our Church.”
Rev. James Mallon
Pastor of Saint Benedict Parish in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Author of Divine Renovation
“Bill Simon’s practical wisdom and generous leadership are welcome gifts to the Church today. His latest book is an inspiring read and a useful resource for pastors and parish staffs looking to build healthy, growing parishes.”
Rev. Michael White and Tom Corcoran
Authors of Rebuilt
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781594714177 |
| PRICE | $17.95 (USD) |
